Thursday Special ~ Translation
When Charles De Gaulle decided to retire from public life, the British Ambassador and his wife threw a Gala dinner party in his honour.
At the dinner table the Ambassador’s wife was talking with Madame De Gaulle.
“Your husband has been such a prominent public figure, such a presence on the French and international scene for so many years! How quiet retirement will seem in comparison. What are you most looking forward to in these retirement years, Madame?”
“A penis,” replied Madame De Gaulle.
A huge hush fell over the table. Everyone heard her answer and no one knew quite what to say next.
Le grand Charles leaned over to his wife and said,
“Ma cherie, I believe ze English pronounce zat word as,’appiness!’”
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Ramana, thanks for this weeks story
Maynard said,
August 12, 2010 at 12:24 pm
When I was in Swaziland in 1972, i was trying to learn the Sawati language. The local Swazi Minister was trying to teach me, and we came across the word for ‘a smoking pipe–umpipi” and the word for “penis” ipipi. I was going around using ipipi, instead of umpipi. It was not pretty!!!!!!!!!!! I can Identify with Madame De Gaulle.
Grannymar said,
August 12, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Maynard - Thanks for the laugh.
nick said,
August 12, 2010 at 1:56 pm
I’ve heard that one before - from an upstanding member of society.
Magpie11 said,
August 12, 2010 at 8:16 pm
There must be something about a “pipi”……..
I’ve just had a vision of Ken Dodd singing a song ….with Mme de Gaulle’s accent!
“Happiness! Happiness! The greatest gift that I possess!”
Go on, give it a go! Make it rhyme…of course!
Grannymar said,
August 12, 2010 at 8:23 pm
nick - Now i wonder who that was!!
Magpie - The best I can do is give you a link to the song Happiness by Ken Dodd.
Alice said,
August 12, 2010 at 9:18 pm
I didn’t know it was so easy to speak French! LOL
Grannymar said,
August 12, 2010 at 9:21 pm
Alice -
Baino said,
August 12, 2010 at 9:33 pm
Hmmm I’ll have to be careful of my interpretation of French accents obviously.
Magpie11 said,
August 12, 2010 at 9:40 pm
If that is the best you can do….I’ll have to report you for submitting people to torture or unusual forms of punishment… I’m beginning to wish I hadn’t suggested trying to sing it….in any accent!
Grannymar said,
August 12, 2010 at 10:04 pm
Baino - That you will.
Magpie - Yes teacher!